Schemes for Elementary,Secondary & Higher Education

Schemes for Elementary Education

With the formulation of National Policy on Education, India initiated a wide range of programmes for achieving the goal of UEE through several schematic and Programme interventions, such as

• Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
• Mid Day Meal
• Mahila Samakhya
• Strengthening for providing quality Education in Madrassas ( SPQEM)

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is implemented as India's main Programme for universalizing elementary education. Its overall goals include universal access and retention, bridging of gender and social category gaps in education and enhancement of learning levels of children.

Schemes for Secondary Education

Secondary Education is the most significant stage in the educational hierarchy as it prepares the students for higher education and the world of work. The policy at present is to make secondary education of good quality available, accessible and affordable to all young persons in the age group of 14-18. At present, the following schemes targeted at secondary stage (i.e. class IX to XII) are being implemented in the form of Centrally Sponsored Schemes:

• Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan
• Girls Hostel Scheme
• National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education
• Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage
• Scheme of Vocational Education
• National Merit-cum-Means Scholarship Scheme
• Scheme for construction and running of Girls’ Hostel for students of secondary and higher secondary schools
• Scholarship schemes for Minority students
• National Scholarships

The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) promotes educational development both in quantitative and qualitative terms and makes special efforts to remove disparities and equalize educational opportunities for all students. NCERT acknowledges and appreciates educational brilliance in students through the National Talent Search Scheme. It also seeks to applaud artistic distinction through the Chacha Nehru Scholarships - for artistic and innovative excellence. The National Bal Bhawan has instituted a system of honouring talented children in different age groups in the year 1995 through the Bal Shree scheme.

Schemes for Higher Education

Higher Education is the shared responsibility of both the Centre and the States. The coordination and determination of standards in institutions is the constitutional obligation of the Central Government. The Central Government provides grants to UGC and establishes Central Universities in the country. Meritorious students, from families with or without necessary means, need an incentive or encouragement to keep on working hard in their studies and go to the next level of education in their academic career. This is where the scholarships and education loans play a crucial role.

Following are some significant fellowship schemes/scholarships awarded by the various institutions:

• Scheme of Apprenticeship Training
• National Scholarships
• Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (Scheme)
• Junior Research Fellowships for biomedical sciences
• All India Council for Technical Education Scholarships
• Department of Science and Technology grants and fellowships
• DST's Scholarship Scheme for Women Scientists and Technologists
• Biotechnology fellowships for doctoral and postdoctoral studies by DBT
• Scholarships /Awards at Undergraduate & Postgraduate level in various science courses at the University of Delhi
• Fellowships/Scholarships/Awards by the Jawaharlal Nehru University
• Sports Authority of India promotional schemes
• Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities - Schemes/Programmes
• Scholarship Schemes for ST Students by Ministry of Tribal Affairs
• Post-matric Scholarships for SC /ST students
• Scholarships for Minority Students

Source : MHRD